The Commuting Rules

For your daily trek, the one we all must make

Once in a while, on your way to the office, pick up a box of doughnuts for everybody.

If you spot a coworker on the bus/subway/train/sidewalk while traveling to work, a simple nod and smile will suffice. Let's savor these last moments of personal time in the morning, shall we?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

No matter your mode of transportation — driving, riding, walking—the consumption of food and drink while commuting is rarely smooth. Eat at home. You're not saving any time.

Recommended musicfor the commute to work: "The Rat," by the Walkmen; "Rock and Roll," by Led Zeppelin; "Good Morning (the Future)," by Rogue Wave.

Recommended music for the commute home from work: "Reboot the Mission," by the Wallflowers; "The Diamond Church Street Choir," by the Gaslight Anthem; "Memo from Turner," by the Rolling Stones.

Music recommended for neither the commute to nor from work: "Working for the Weekend," by Loverboy.

If the person next to you on the bus or in the elevator stares at you for what feels like a moment too long — like you might have something on your face — it's because he or she can hear the music coming out of your headphones. Might want to turn that shit down.

It is a miracle that more people don't get killed in parking garages by cars speeding around the corners.

Once in a while, read a novel. On your commute. Life is bigger than work.

Unless you commute by car.

Books on tape are overrated.

Wearing high-quality sneakers to work before changing into dress shoes is probably really good for your feet. It also makes you look like a dorkus malorkus.

Get to know the regular hosts along the way: the garage attendant, the train conductor, the bus driver, the security guard. Someday you might be a buck short or a minute late and need a hand.

There is no shame in stopping into a bar for a quick drink on your way home, the way men used to do. A small pour, seven minutes, nine bucks. Nobody has to know.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.